“What we have is the return of Santa Ana wind conditions,” said David Gomberg, a meteorologist with the weather agency.

Wind speeds will range from 15 to 30 mph, with gusts between 35 and 40 mph in the valleys and up to 45 mph in the mountains, according to forecasts. Relative humidity is expected to range between 8 and 15 percent. High temperatures will range from the mid-70s and mid-80s in the valleys and up to 70 degrees in the mountains.

Windy weather will continue Thursday and taper off on Friday, although at lower speeds than red-flag levels, according to Gomberg.